Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Norco and St. Charles Parish.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside warmth, your AC expenses will be larger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and often produces a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to choose the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy
expenses small.
2. Set annual air conditioning service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows pros to discover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your cooling
expenses.
4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Mayeuxs AC & Heating

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Mayeuxs AC & Heating experts can help. Give us a call at (985) 764-2426 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.